Apparatus and method for providing user selectable alert modes for a television signal receiver

ABSTRACT

A television signal receiver (having an emergency alert function provides an alert output in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver includes a tuner operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event. A processor is operative to enable an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.

The present invention generally relates to television signal receivers,with or without a display device, and more particularly, to televisionsignal receivers having an emergency alert function capable of, amongother things, providing an alert output in accordance with a userselectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. Thepresent invention further relates to user interfaces associated with theemergency alert function.

Emergency events such as severe weather, natural disasters, fires, civilemergencies, war acts, toxic chemical spills, radiation leaks, or othersuch conditions can be devastating to unprepared individuals. Withweather-related emergencies, authorities such as the National WeatherService (NWS) and the National Oceanographic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) are generally able to detect severe weatherconditions prior to the general public. Through the use of modernweather detection devices, such as Doppler radar and weather satellites,the NWS and NOAA are able to issue early warnings of severe weatherconditions which have saved many lives. However, for such warnings to beeffective, they must be communicated to their intended recipients.

Certain specialized radios and scanners are capable of receivingemergency alert signals provided by the NWS and NOAA. However, suchdevices tend to be dedicated to this use, and generally offer consumerslittle, if any, functionality beyond monitoring these signals.Accordingly, in order to receive advance warning of weather-relatedemergencies, consumers are required to purchase a separate, dedicateddevice, which may be cost-prohibitive to some consumers.

Another problem with such devices is their failure to provide consumerswith options regarding the manner in which they are alerted in specificemergency situations. For example, certain devices detect emergencyevents by receiving Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) data whichindicates the specific geographical area(s) affected by the emergencyevent, the type of emergency event (e.g., tornado, toxic chemical spill,radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.), and the expiration time of theevent alert. With such devices, when an emergency event occurs, an alertoutput such as an audio message may be provided to alert individuals ofthe emergency event. While such devices may allow users to select thetype of alert output provided in emergency events, the selected type ormode of alert output is used for every type of emergency event. In otherwords, such devices do not allow consumers to designate the manner inwhich they are alerted on an event-by-event basis.

The use of a common alert mode for every type of emergency event asdescribed above may be confusing and even dangerous for consumers sincethey may be unable to readily determine from the alert output whetherthe particular emergency event is one which may require immediate action(e.g., tornado warning), or one which may be ignored (e.g., thunderstormwatch). Moreover, the use of a common alert mode for every type ofemergency event may tend to desensitize consumers towards alert outputsin general since all alert outputs may appear to be similar or the same.As a result, consumers may be more likely to ignore alert outputs andthereby expose themselves to dangerous conditions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device capable of receiving emergencyalert signals which avoids the foregoing problems. The present inventionaddresses these and other issues.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a televisionsignal receiver having an emergency alert function is disclosed.According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receivercomprises tuning means for tuning a frequency including emergency alertsignals indicating a type of emergency event. Processing means enable analert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein thealert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert modecorresponding to the type of emergency event.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling a television signal receiver having an emergency alertfunction is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the methodcomprises steps of tuning a frequency including emergency alert signalsindicating a type of emergency event, and providing an alert outputresponsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output isprovided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode correspondingto the type of emergency event.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment suitable for implementing the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a television signal receiver according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is another diagram of a television signal receiver including userinterfaces according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing further exemplary details of one of the userinterfaces of FIG. 4.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, anexemplary environment 100 suitable for implementing the presentinvention is shown. In FIG. 1, environment 100 comprises signaltransmission means such as signal transmission source 10, dwelling meanssuch as dwelling units 15 (i.e., 1, 2, 3 . . . N, where N may be anypositive integer), and signal receiving means such as television signalreceivers 20.

In FIG. 1, dwelling units 15 may represent residences, businesses and/orother dwelling places located within a particular geographical area,such as but not limited to, a particular continent, country, region,state, area code, zip code, city, county, municipality, subdivision,and/or other definable geographical area. According to an exemplaryembodiment, each of the dwelling units 15 is equipped with at least onetelevision signal receiver 20 having an emergency alert function.According to the present invention, the emergency alert function enablestelevision signal receiver 20 to receive emergency alert signals andprovide one or more alert outputs to notify individuals of an emergencyevent. As will be discussed later herein, television signal receiver 20is also capable of providing one or more alert outputs in accordancewith one or more user selectable alert modes corresponding to the typeof emergency event.

According to an exemplary embodiment, signal transmission source 10transmits signals including emergency alert signals which may bereceived by each television signal receiver 20. The emergency alertsignals may be provided from an authority such as the NWS, or otherauthorities such as governmental entities or the like. In response tothe emergency alert signals, each television signal receiver 20 mayprovide one or more alert outputs to thereby notify individuals of theemergency event. Signal transmission source 10 may transmit suchemergency alert signals to television signal receivers 20 via any wiredor wireless link such as, but not limited to, terrestrial, cable,satellite, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL), and/or any othertype of broadcast and/or multicast means.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment oftelevision signal receiver 20 of FIG. 1 is shown. In FIG. 2, televisionsignal receiver 20 comprises signal receiving means such as signalreceiving element 21, tuning means such as tuner 22, demodulation meanssuch as demodulator 23, audio amplification means such as audioamplifier 24, audio output means such as speaker 25, decoding means suchas decoder 26, processing means and memory means such as processor andmemory 27, video processing means such as video processor 28, and visualoutput means such as display 29. Some of the foregoing elements may forexample be embodied using integrated circuits (ICs). For clarity ofdescription, certain conventional elements of television signal receiver20 including control signals may not be shown in FIG. 2.

Signal receiving element 21 is operative to receive signals includingaudio and/or video signals from signal sources, such as signaltransmission source 10 in FIG. 1. According to an exemplary embodiment,received audio signals may include digitally encoded emergency alertsignals. Signal receiving element 21 may be embodied as any signalreceiving element such as an antenna, input terminal or other element.

Tuner 22 is operative to tune signals including audio and/or videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner 22 is capable oftuning audio signals on at least the following designated NWSfrequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Other frequencies may also be tuned.As previously indicated herein, such audio signals may include digitallyencoded emergency alert signals.

Demodulator 23 is operative to demodulate signals provided from tuner22. According to an exemplary embodiment, demodulator 23 demodulatesaudio signals to thereby generate demodulated audio signals representingaudio content such as an NWS audio message, a warning alert tone and/orother audio content. Audio amplifier 24 is operative to amplify theaudio signals output from demodulator 23 responsive to a control signalprovided from processor 27. Speaker 25 is operative to aurally outputthe amplified audio signals provided from audio amplifier 24.

Decoder 26 is operative to decode signals including audio and/or videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, decoder 26 decodes audiosignals provided from demodulator 23 to thereby extract digitallyencoded frequency shift keyed (FSK) signals, which represent emergencyalert signals indicating an emergency event. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the emergency alert signals include data comprising SAMEdata associated with the emergency event. SAME data comprises a digitalcode representing information such as the specific geographical areaaffected by the emergency event, the type of emergency event (e.g.,tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.),and the expiration time of the event alert. SAME data is used by the NWSand other authorities to improve the specificity of emergency alerts andto decrease the frequency of false alerts. Other data and informationmay also be included in the emergency alert signals according to thepresent invention.

Processor and memory 27 are operative to perform various processing anddata storage functions of television signal receiver 20. According to anexemplary embodiment, processor 27 receives the emergency alert signalsfrom decoder 26 and determines whether the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 is activated based on data included in theemergency alert signals. According to this exemplary embodiment,processor 27 compares data in the emergency alert signals to user setupdata stored in memory 27 to determine whether the emergency alertfunction is activated. As will be described later herein, a setupprocess for the emergency alert function of television signal receiver20 allows a user to select items such as an applicable geographicalarea(s), and type(s) of emergency events (e.g., tomado, toxic chemicalspill, radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.) which activate theemergency alert function.

When the emergency alert function of television signal receiver 20 isactivated, processor 27 outputs one or more control signals which enablevarious operations. According to an exemplary embodiment, such controlsignals enable one or more alert outputs (e.g., aural and/or visual) tothereby notify individuals of the emergency event. According to thepresent invention, such alert outputs are provided in accordance withuser selectable alert modes corresponding to the particular type ofemergency event. Such control signals may also enable other operationsof television signal receiver 20, such as causing it to be switched froman off/standby mode to an on mode.

Video processor 28 is operative to process signals including videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, such video signals mayinclude embedded messages such as NWS text messages and/or othermessages that provide details regarding emergency events. Videoprocessor 28 may include closed caption circuitry which enables closedcaption displays. Display 29 is operative to provide visual displayscorresponding to processed signals provided from video processor 28.According to an exemplary embodiment, display 29 may provide visualdisplays including the aforementioned messages that provide detailsregarding emergency events.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a flowchart 30 illustrating exemplary stepsaccording to the present invention is shown. For purposes of example andexplanation, the steps of FIG. 3 will be described with reference totelevision signal receiver 20 of FIG. 2. The steps of FIG. 3 are merelyexemplary, and are not intended to limit the present invention in anymanner.

At step 31, a setup process for the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 is performed. According to an exemplaryembodiment, a user performs this setup process by providing inputs totelevision signal receiver 20 (e.g., using a remote control device notshown) responsive to an on-screen menu displayed via display 29. Such anon-screen menu may for example be part of an electronic program guide(EPG) function of television signal receiver 20. According to anexemplary embodiment, the user may select at least the following itemsduring the setup process at step 31:

-   A. Enable/Disable—The user may select whether to enable or disable    the emergency alert function.-   B. Frequency Selection—The user may select the monitoring frequency    to tune to in order to receive emergency alert signals. For example,    the user may select a frequency such as one of the following NWS    transmission frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz,    162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz.-   C. Event Types—The user may select one or more types of emergency    events which activate the emergency alert function. For example, the    user may designate that events such as civil emergencies, acts of    war, and/or tornado warnings activate the emergency alert function,    but that events such as thunderstorm warnings do not, etc. The user    may also select whether the conventional warning audio tone provided    by the NWS and/or other alert mechanism activates the emergency    alert function. According to the present invention, different    severity or alert levels (e.g., statement, watch, warning, etc.) may    represent different “events.” For example, a thunderstorm watch may    be considered a different event from a thunderstorm warning.-   D. Geographical Areas—The user may select one or more geographical    areas of interest. For example, the user may select a particular    continent, country, region, state, area code, zip code, city,    county, municipality, subdivision, and/or other definable    geographical area.-   E. Alert Modes—The user may select one or more alert modes for each    type of emergency event that activates the emergency alert function.    According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may select visual    and/or aural outputs to be provided for each type of emergency event    that activates the emergency alert function. For example, the user    may select to display a visual message (e.g., an NWS text message as    a closed caption display) and/or tune television signal receiver 20    to a specific channel. The user may also for example select to    aurally output a warning tone (e.g., chime, siren, etc.) and/or an    audio message (e.g., NWS audio message), and the desired volume of    each. Other types of alert outputs may also be provided according to    the present invention.

The user selections of items C and E at step 31 may be combined in asingle user interface, such as user interface 40 shown in FIG. 4.Referring to FIG. 4, another diagram of television signal receiver 20including user interfaces 40 and 50 according to exemplary embodimentsof the present invention is shown. In particular, FIG. 4 illustratesexemplary user interface 40 that may be used to select items C and E ofstep 31, and also shows another exemplary user interface 50 which may beused to control alert outputs and will be described later herein withreference to FIG. 5.

In FIG. 4, user interface 40 comprises a list of event types 41 (i.e.,item C), user selectable alert modes 42 to 44 corresponding to eventtypes 41 (i.e., item E), and an exemplary on-screen message 45.According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may interact with userinterface 40 (e.g., using a remote control device not shown) and therebyselect one or more alert modes 42 to 44 for each of the event types 41.The user may also toggle back and forth among various screens to viewdifferent event types 41. The particular event types 41, alert modes 42to 44, and on-screen message 45 shown in user interface 40 of FIG. 4 areexamples only, and different event types, alert modes, and on-screenmessages may be used according to the present invention.

As indicated in FIG. 4, user selection of alert modes 42 and 43 causes acheck mark to appear in the row corresponding to the particular eventtype 41. Similarly, user selection of alert mode 44 causes the term“CHIME” or “SIREN” to appear in the row corresponding to the particularevent type 41. Also in FIG. 4, if a user does not want a particularevent type 41 to activate the emergency alert function of televisionsignal receiver 20, then alert modes 42 and 43 are not selected (i.e.,no check marks), and alert mode 44 is set to “NONE” (e.g., CHILDABDUCTION EMERGENCY). In this manner, user interface 40 enables users todesignate both: (1) event types that activate the emergency alertfunction (i.e., item C of step 31), and (2) corresponding alert modesfor each event type that activates the emergency alert function (i.e.,item E of step 31). Accordingly, user interface 40 enables users todesignate the alert output(s) provided by the emergency alert functionof television signal receiver 20 on an event-by-event basis.

According to the present invention, other menu selections than thoseexpressly described herein may also be provided at step 31. Datacorresponding to the user's selections during the setup process of step31 is stored in memory 27 under the control of processor 27.

At step 32, television signal receiver 20 monitors the frequencyselected by the user during the setup process of step 31 (i.e., item B)for emergency alert signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner22 monitors the selected frequency and thereby receives incomingemergency alert signals. According to the present invention, televisionsignal receiver 20 is capable of monitoring a frequency and receivingemergency alert signals during all modes of operation, including forexample when television signal receiver 20 is turned on, turned off,and/or during playback of recorded audio and/or video content.

At step 33, a determination is made regarding whether the emergencyalert function of television signal receiver 20 is activated. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, processor 27 makes this determination bycomparing data included in the incoming emergency alert signals to datastored in memory 27 from the setup process of step 31. As previouslyindicated herein, the emergency alert signals may include data such asSAME data which represents information including the type of emergencyevent (e.g., tomado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak, civilemergency, etc.) and the specific geographical area(s) affected by theemergency event. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 27compares this SAME data to the corresponding data from the setup processof step 31 (i.e., items C and D) stored in memory 27 to therebydetermine whether the emergency alert function is activated. In thismanner, the emergency alert function of television signal receiver 20 isactivated only when the emergency event indicated by the emergency alertsignals corresponds to the geographical area(s) and/or event type(s)designated by the user at step 31.

If the determination at step 33 is negative, process flow loops back tostep 32 where tuner 22 continues to monitor the selected frequency.Alternatively, if the determination at step 33 is positive, process flowadvances to step 34 where television signal receiver 20 provides one ormore alert outputs in accordance with the one or more alert modesselected by the user at step 31 (i.e., item E), to thereby notifyindividuals of the emergency event. As previously indicated herein, suchalert outputs may be visual and/or aural in nature. For example, avisual message such as an NWS text message may be provided as a closedcaption display via display 29 in accordance with the user selectionsduring the setup process of step 31. Aural outputs such as a chime,siren or the like and/or an audio message such as an NWS audio messageor a message from the All Hazards Alert System may also be provided atstep 34 via speaker 25 in accordance with the user selections during thesetup process of step 31.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one alert output that isnot based on a user selection at step 31 may also be provided at step34. For example, an alert output may be provided via indicator elementson a front display panel of television signal receiver 20 to notifyindividuals of an emergency event. Further details regarding this typeof alert output will be provided below with reference to step 35. Othertypes of aural and/or visual alert outputs than those expresslydescribed herein may also be provided at step 34 according to thepresent invention.

At step 35, a user may control the alert output(s) using an interface,such as exemplary user interface 50 of FIG. 4. As indicated in FIG. 4,user interface 50 may be included on a front display panel of televisionsignal receiver 20. User interface 50 may also be included separatelyfrom the front display panel of television signal receiver 20, and mayfor example be provided on another device such as a remote controldevice of television signal receiver 20. Referring now to FIG. 5, adiagram providing further details of exemplary user interface 50 isshown. As indicated in FIG. 5, user interface 50 comprises indicatormeans such as indicator elements 51 to 54, and control means such ascontrol elements 55 to 57.

According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator elements 51 to 54 areoperative to provide users with visual information regarding theemergency alert function of television signal receiver 20, and may forexample be embodied as light-emitting diode (LED) elements, liquidcrystal display (LCD) elements, liquid quartz display (LQD) elements,and/or other visual indicator elements. According to an exemplaryembodiment, indicator elements 51 to 54 may be used provide an alertoutput that is not based on a user selection at step 31. That is,indicator elements 51 to 54 may be used to provide users with visualinformation every time the emergency alert function is activated, andmay not be completely turned off by users. In this manner, indicatorelements 51 and 54 ensure that users are provided with at least onealert output when the emergency alert function is activated. Forpurposes of example, user interface 50 of FIG. 5 is shown as having fourindicator elements. However, the number of such indicator elements usedin practice may be a matter of design choice according to the presentinvention.

According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator element 51 may exhibit agreen color and be illuminated when the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 is operational and emergency alert signalsare being received. Indicator elements 52 to 54 may also exhibitdifferent colors and be illuminated to provide visual informationregarding emergency events. For example, indicator element 52 mayexhibit a yellow color and be illuminated to indicate a statement oradvisory level alert. Similarly, indicator element 53 may exhibit anorange color and be illuminated to indicate a watch level alert, andindicator element 54 may exhibit a red color and be illuminated toindicate a warning level alert. As previously indicated herein, thesedifferent alert levels may represent different emergency eventsaccording to the present invention. Other colors than those describedabove, and/or different labels for indicator elements 51 to 54 thanthose shown in FIG. 5 may also be used according to the presentinvention.

According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator elements 52 to 54 mayflash (e.g., 4 flashes per second with equal intervals of light anddark) when the emergency alert function is activated, rather than remainsteadily illuminated, since flashing or blinking lights are generallybetter to gain a user's attention. However, a combination of flashingand steady illumination may also be used according to the presentinvention. For example, if a statement level alert occurs, indicatorelement 52 may initially blink to attract a user's attention. Thisblinking may continue for a predetermined time period, or until the userprovides an input to television signal receiver 20 such as an input viaone of the control elements 55 to 57. Once the predetermined time periodelapses or the user provides an input, indicator element 52 may becomesteadily illuminated. Indicator elements 53 and 54 may operate in asimilar manner for watch level alerts and warning level alerts,respectively. Other techniques for combining flashing and steadyillumination of indicator elements 52 to 54 may also be used accordingto the present invention.

Also according to an exemplary embodiment, control elements 55 to 57 areoperative to enable user control of the alert output(s) of televisionsignal receiver 20, and may for example be embodied as keys, buttons,and/or other control elements which enable users to control the alertoutput(s) of television signal receiver 20. For purposes of example,user interface 50 of FIG. 5 is shown as having three control elements.However, the number of such control elements used in practice may be amatter of design choice according to the present invention.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, control element55 operates as a toggle switch and may be manipulated by a user to turnon and off a visual message such as an NWS text message provided as aclosed caption display via display 29. For example, if a visual messageis on display 29, control element 55 may be used to turn that messageoff. Alternatively, if there is no visual message on display 29, but theemergency alert function is activated (e.g., one of indicator elements52 to 54 is blinking), then control element 55 may be used to turn onthe visual message and thereby cause it to be displayed on display 29.In this manner, control element 55 may be used to turn on and off analert output for a given occurrence of a particular emergency event.Moreover, if television signal receiver 20 is in the off/standby mode,control element 55 may be used to switch television signal receiver 20to the on mode and turn on the visual display.

According to an exemplary embodiment, control element 56 may alsooperate as a toggle switch in a manner similar to control element 55described above. In particular, control element 56 may be manipulated bya user to turn on and off an audio message such as an NWS audio messageor a message from the All Hazards Alert System provided via speaker 25.For example, if an audio message is being provided via speaker 25,control element 56 may be used to turn that message off. Alternatively,if no audio message is being provided, but the emergency alert functionis activated (e.g., one of indicator elements 52 to 54 is blinking),then control element 56 may be used to turn on the audio message andthereby cause it to be output via speaker 25. In this manner, controlelement 56 may be used to turn on and off an alert output for a givenoccurrence of a particular emergency event. Moreover, if televisionsignal receiver 20 is in the off/standby mode, control element 56 may beused to switch television signal receiver 20 to the on mode and turn onthe audio message.

According to an exemplary embodiment, control element 57 may bemanipulated by a user to turn off an alarm such as a chime, siren or thelike provided via speaker 25. For example, if an alarm is activated,control element 57 may be used to turn the alarm off. According to anexemplary embodiment, control elements 55 and 56 may also be used toturn off the alarm. As previously indicated herein, there may be threedifferent settings for such an alarm: off, chime, or siren (see alertmode 44 of user interface 40 in FIG. 4). According to an exemplaryembodiment, the chime is a gentle but recognizable sound, while thesiren is a loud and urgent sound. Such an alarm may for example start ata given volume level and gradually increase to a maximum volume levelestablished by a user. Accordingly, by allowing users to turn off thealarm using any of the control elements 55 to 57, the present inventionadvantageously enables users to quickly turn off the alarm before itbecomes too annoying.

As previously indicated herein, it is preferred that control elements 55to 57 not be used to completely turn off indicator elements 51 to 54 toensure that users are provided with at least one alert output when theemergency alert function is activated. Other labels for control elements55 to 57 than those shown in FIG. 5 may also be used according to thepresent invention. Accordingly, user interface 50 of FIG. 5 is only anexample and other types of indicators, displays and/or control means maybe provided according to the present invention.

As described herein, the present invention provides a television signalreceiver having an emergency alert function capable of, among otherthings, providing an alert output in accordance with a user selectablealert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event. The presentinvention may be applicable to various apparatuses, either with orwithout a display device. Accordingly, the phrase “television signalreceiver” as used herein may refer to systems or apparatuses capable ofreceiving and processing television signals including, but not limitedto, television sets, computers or monitors that include a displaydevice, and systems or apparatuses such as set-top boxes, video cassetterecorders (VCRs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, video gameboxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), computers or other apparatusesthat may not include a display device.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. A television signal receiver having an emergency alert function, comprising: a tuner operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event; and a processor operative to enable an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.
 2. The television signal receiver of claim 1, further comprising an interface operative to enable a user to turn the alert output on and off.
 3. The television signal receiver of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operative to enable a plurality of alert outputs responsive to the emergency alert signals, and the plurality of alert outputs are provided in accordance with a plurality of user selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event.
 4. The television signal receiver of claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output.
 5. The television signal receiver of claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an aural output.
 6. The television signal receiver of claim 3, further comprising an interface operative to enable a user to turn at least one of the plurality of alert outputs on and off.
 7. The television signal receiver of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs can not be completely turned off by a user.
 8. A television signal receiver having an emergency alert function, comprising: tuning means for tuning a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event; and processing means for enabling an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.
 9. The television signal receiver of claim 8, further comprising interface means for enabling a user to turn the alert output on and off.
 10. The television signal receiver of claim 8, wherein the processing means enables a plurality of alert outputs responsive to the emergency alert signals, and the plurality of alert outputs are provided in accordance with a plurality of user selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event.
 11. The television signal receiver of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output.
 12. The television signal receiver of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an aural output.
 13. The television signal receiver of claim 10, further comprising interface means for enabling a user to turn at least one of the plurality of alert outputs on and off.
 14. The television signal receiver of claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs can not be completely turned off by a user.
 15. A method for controlling a television signal receiver having an emergency alert function, comprising: tuning a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating a type of emergency event; and providing an alert output responsive to the emergency alert signals, wherein the alert output is provided in accordance with a user selectable alert mode corresponding to the type of emergency event.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprised of enabling a user to turn the alert output on and off.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprised of providing a plurality of alert outputs responsive to the emergency alert signals, and the plurality of alert outputs are provided in accordance with a plurality of user selectable alert modes corresponding to the type of emergency event.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is a visual output.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs is an aural output.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprised of enabling a user to turn at least one of the plurality of alert outputs on and off.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein at least one of the plurality of alert outputs can not be completely turned off by a user. 